Michael Spall, a senior scientist in physical oceanography at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been selected to deliver the prestigious Harald Sverdrup Lecture, presented by the American Geophysical Union.
The lecture recognizes researchers who have made outstanding contributions to atmospheric and oceanographic science and who have fostered collaboration across disciplines. The lecture series is named for the influential geophysicist Harald Sverdrup. It forms part of AGU’s distinguished Bowie Lecture Series.
Spall will deliver his lecture at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in February 2026.
Spall’s work has substantially advanced the understanding of ocean circulation and its role in Earth’s climate. His research has improved our understanding of key physical mechanisms, most notably those that influence the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a central driver of large-scale climate patterns.
One of Spall’s enduring contributions is the demonstration that dense water formed at high latitudes must sink along basin boundaries rather than in basin interiors. This concept continues to inform contemporary oceanographic theory and climate modeling.
Commenting on the honor of being chosen to deliver the lecture, Spall stated:
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the AGU. My research has been guided largely by curiosity, so it is nice to see that others value the questions that have driven my work. I feel fortunate to have been able to spend my career at WHOI, where collaboration and the sharing of ideas have provided a rich environment for exploring how the ocean works.”
